Both are wired HyperX headsets with a detachable mic that HyperX lists for PC, PS5, Xbox and Switch. The Cloud III puts mute on the earcup and adds Mac, at $99.99; the Cloud II keeps its mute on a USB box for the PC and costs $79.99.
| HyperX Cloud III | HyperX Cloud II | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose it for | mute on the headset and a Mac | the lower price |
| Maker price | $99.99 · checked November 2 | $79.99 · checked November 2 |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Mute on the mic | Mute button on the earcup, with an LED that shows when you're muted | Mute switch on the USB control box |
| Hear yourself | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
Choice A
Mute and volume on the earcup with an LED that shows when you're muted, a USB dongle on a USB-C cable for the PC, with an adapter for a USB-A port, and HyperX lists Mac too. Maker price $99.99.
Choice B
A detachable noise-cancelling mic and 53 mm drivers too, with mute and volume on its USB control box for a PC. Maker price $79.99.
From the makers
4 of 10 setup details differ.
| Setup detail | HyperX Cloud III | HyperX Cloud II |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone connection | Detachable boom microphone | Detachable boom microphone |
| Connectors (differs) | 3.5 mm · USB audio adapter on a USB-C cable · USB-C to USB-A adapter | 3.5 mm · USB audio control box |
| Mute on the mic (differs) | Mute button on the earcup, with an LED that shows when you're muted | Mute switch on the USB control box |
| Hear yourself | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
| Works with (per the maker) (differs) | PC · PS5 · PS4 · Xbox Series X|S · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · Mac · Mobile | PC · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox Series X|S · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · Mobile |
| Included parts (differs) | Cloud III headset · Detachable mic · USB dongle · USB-C to USB-A adapter · Quick start guide | Cloud II headset · USB audio control box · Detachable mic · Velour ear cushions · Quick start guide |
| Also needs | Depends on how you connect and mount it | Depends on how you connect and mount it |
| Mount or thread | ||
| Dimensions | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
| Software needed | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
Both plug into a console controller or a PC by 3.5 mm, both have a detachable noise-cancelling mic and 53 mm drivers, and HyperX lists both for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Neither is listed for Switch 2.
The Cloud III has mute and volume on the earcup, with an LED that shows when you're muted. The Cloud II's mute switch and volume sit on its USB control box, which is for a PC: on a console you plug its 3.5 mm cable into the controller and mute in the party or the game instead.
Each comes with a USB part for the computer: the Cloud III a USB dongle on a USB-C cable, with a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box; the Cloud II its USB audio control box. HyperX lists Mac for the Cloud III, not for the Cloud II.
Plug the 3.5 mm cable into the controller, start a party and watch your speaking indicator while you talk.
Plug the headset into its USB control box and the box into the PC, then pick it in Windows and in Discord. The mute switch is on the box.
Connections and controls come from these model-specific documents. Manufacturer claims about sound are not independent tests.